From what the media has portrayed, cosplaying is a hobby done by only people in their late 20s to early 30s. So it’s not surprising to hear the fact that the average age of a cosplayer when they first start is 21.
21, is not an age that’s just a fluke, rather there are actual reasons behind why this age is so common, Primarily being at this stage of life, you aren’t responsible or committed to a job, family, or dream, which means that you have leisure time to spend on such a time-consuming hobby.
Additionally, at this age, you do have more disposable income than a teen, which is why early adulthood is more common than teens as cosplayers, after all, cosplay is an expensive hobby.
| Accessory | Price (average) |
| Wigs | 25$-40$ (depending on the size and texture) |
| Outfits | 100$-1000+$ (depending on the fabric and complexity) |
| Shoes | 5$-20$ (it doesn’t have to be the highest quality) |
| Fake tattoos/scars | $2-$5 |
Even though most cosplayers start in their early adulthood, a point to be noted is that cosplay itself has no age restrictions of any sort.
The only factors that influence people’s decision to continue cosplaying are their interest and excitement in doing so. If making costumes and dressing up as your favorite character brings you joy, no matter how old or young you are, the world of cosplaying is open to you.
Everyone of any age is welcome into this wide world of costuming. Subsequently, many conventions have dress standards in place to protect younger attendees from being traumatized, as well as programming and crafts for children.
To know more please keep reading till the end.
Is Cosplay for All Ages?
Cosplay in itself is an activity available for all people regardless of age, gender, or sexuality.
I’ve even seen whole families cosplay from the same TV show, or people pushing strollers with dressed-up infants (incredibly cute).
A fair warning though, some adult-only conventions do have explicit dressing standards and you’re bound to come across some costumes that are significantly more revealing than your average streetwear. These sorts of conventions aren’t appropriate for children whatsoever.
However, there are dress codes at conventions, and you shouldn’t see anything more uncovering than what you might see at a local swimming pool or the beach.
While there are a few adult-only Anime or comic conventions, the majority are intended to be family-friendly. So be sure to check the age limit before entering a convention.
If you do take the time to go through the convention’s protocols and scheduling, you might notice that there are child-friendly events for those little cosplayers.
These are usually workshops, and they usually hold activities that include modeling, crafting, and role-playing, all of which are indeed appropriate for that age group.
As You Get Older
Individuals are now able to venture into the world of cosplay at younger ages, as cosplay is becoming more mainstream and accessible.
As you get older, you may begin to believe that perhaps you’re not fit enough for cosplaying.
I’m only in my late 20s, and I’m attending fewer conventions every year, I’ll likely stop attending conventions after a few years. So I’m beginning to understand why older cosplayers aren’t seen as frequently.
However, if you want to keep cosplaying until you’re 120, go ahead, nobody’s stopping you except maybe your old back.
Not only does it appear that there are no older characters to cosplay, but you may also begin to lose energy and enthusiasm for the convention scene.
However, age also allows for some unique cosplays of elderly characters.
For example, you can’t pull off awesome characters like Master Roshi (DBZ) or Bang (One-Punch Man) when you’re in your early 20’s. However, an older cosplayer would be able to rock such a persona.
The point is that you have fun. If cosplay makes you feel happy, then no arbitrarily defined age limit should stop you from dressing up as whoever you want.
Is it Ok for a 12-year-old to Cosplay?
In short, yes, If a child is old enough to want to role-play their favorite superhero, let them.
That is, at its cornerstone, what cosplay is: costumed role-playing.
So, if you’re 12 years old and want to dress up as Batman, what are you waiting for? Get your parents to agree with you, and let them help you in cosplaying.
The characters you would like to cosplay as a 12-year-old will differ from the ones that you’ll want to cosplay when you’re older, though that doesn’t matter all that much.
There are no rules that state children under 12 aren’t allowed to cosplay, except maybe at a few conventions. So no one can stop you from doing what you like.
Here’s a video with some tips for young cosplayers:
Is it permissible for children to cosplay?
Yes, without a doubt children can do cosplay.
Children can participate in cosplay and even contribute to the creation of costumes and characters. Children are more imaginative and take more risks, which results in great things.
Cosplay is a fantastic release, especially during the awkward tween/teen years when self-esteem may be tangled up in a variety of ways. By assisting your child in their want to express themselves in this manner, you will learn so much about them.
What is the unbreakable rule of cosplay?
The golden principles of cosplay “cosplay is not consent” is a famous expression in the community, suggesting that just because you’re at an event or wearing a certain outfit doesn’t imply you may treat cosplayers any way you want.
Costumes are not an invitation to flirt with anyone. I’m not sure why that’s a thing. Just because someone is Harley Quinn and you are the Joker does not mean you are in a relationship.
Following a cosplayer, touching them, and photographing them from a distance are all examples of what not to do.
What are the Dangers of Cosplay?
Indeed, it appears that cosplay events are becoming safer over time as rules regarding consent and harassment are developed and enforced and cosplay is not a dangerous hobby in general.
Cosplayers’ security and privacy are also called into question, especially at conventions with an older demographic. There are some frightening articles detailing why cosplay is such an unsafe hobby full of harassing people.
Making costumes can result in minor nicks and scrapes from razor blades or pins, but following basic safety precautions will keep you safe. When building your props, just remember to read the safety warnings and stay in well-ventilated areas.
If you stay within the confines of the convention or event, there’s very little reason to be concerned. I began cosplaying as a teenager and have never felt harassed or unsafe at an Anime convention.
However, a small minority of people and creeps will always attempt to take advantage of cosplayers (especially teenagers or younger). To safeguard yourself and your friends, it’s best to follow basic safety guidelines.
Precautions You Should take as a Young Cosplayer
Conventions are fairly safe places to cosplay as long as you remain within the event’s boundaries.
Conventions do not take kindly to these sorts of activities and will immediately ban the abuser. So there’s no need to worry. You’re safe within a convention.
However, there are times when you may attract unwelcome attention from other members of the general public.
In the early 2010s, a movement to make conventions a safe place for women and children was launched, by the name of Cosplay Is Not Consent. Since then the cases of harassment have steadily declined.
Many conventions nowadays have harassment policies, which can be found on their websites. Some even have signs throughout the convention reminding people to always ask for permission before photographing cosplayers.
But, to keep yourself safe, you should take some precautions.
Set Boundaries For Interactions
Before you go cosplaying at a convention, you should think about your social boundaries.
- Will you allow people to take pictures with you?
- Will you let them touch you or your costume?
- Will you let them interact with you?
- Will you let people hug you?
It’s perfectly fine to decline photos that make you feel uneasy, and you are not required to let anyone touch you or any component of your costume.
You should report anyone who harasses you or makes you feel queasy in your outfit to a nearby staff member.
Use The Buddy Method
When strolling around in cosplay, always remain with a companion to ensure your safety.
It’s even better if you’re able to travel in a group of 3-4 people.
Using the buddy method, you can start exploring the convention safely, with your partner alerting the convention staff if anything goes wrong.
If you are under the age of 18, you must be accompanied by an adult at all times at many conventions. Others would only mandate you to be accompanied if you’re 12 years old or younger, but you must have a contract signed by your parent or guardian certifying that they agreed to let you go.
Conclusion
- Even though most cosplayers start in their early adulthood, A point to be noted is that cosplay itself has no age restrictions of any sort.
- Cosplayers typically wear their first costume to a convention when they are 21 years old.
- If you look at the convention scheduling system, you will notice that there are events for young attendees. Activities will include basic crafting projects, Anime and cartoons acceptable for a younger demographic, and entertaining workshops aimed at children aged 5 to 10.
- In the early 2010s, a movement to make conventions a safe place for women and children was launched, by the name of “Cosplay Is Not Consent”, since then the cases of harassment have steadily declined.
- Before you go cosplaying at a convention, you should think about your social boundaries.
- Using the buddy method, you can start exploring the convention safely, with your partner alerting the convention staff if anything goes wrong.
- Many conventions nowadays have harassment policies, which can be found on their websites. Some even have signs throughout the convention reminding people to always ask for permission before photographing cosplayers.
Other Articles
- What Is Cosplay: Exploring Japan’s Subculture
- What Can You Learn From Cosplay? (Knowledge)
- What Does Cosplaying As Someone Mean?
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